Amazon's data centers worldwide consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, according to figures disclosed publicly for the first time on June 11, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. This amount represents about 5% of the annual water consumption of metropolitan Seattle [1].
The company says its data centers are seven times more water-efficient than the industry average. In 2025, Amazon used 0.12 liters of water per kilowatt-hour of electricity, marking a 2% reduction from 2024 [2]. Amazon relies on air cooling about 90% of the time, supplementing with evaporative water cooling on the hottest days [2].
Water use in Northern Virginia data centers decreased by 42% in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting local efforts to conserve resources [3]. Despite these reductions, public opposition to data center expansions persists due to concerns about water consumption [3].
Amazon has set a goal to replenish more water to communities than it consumes by 2030 and is currently 75% of the way toward achieving this target [3]. However, the reported water use figures exclude indirect water usage such as water consumed at power plants or during new data center construction [2].
Kara Hurst, Amazon's Chief Sustainability Officer, said, "There is a perception, perhaps, that the data centers are taking more water than people understand. I do think it's incredibly important that we are transparent." She added, "We are growing. We want it to be good growth, sustainable growth." [3]
There is some dispute over how Amazon's water use per kilowatt-hour compares to other Big Tech companies. Amazon claims its global water use metric is more comprehensive and more efficient than Microsoft, Google, and Meta on a per kilowatt-hour basis, though Google's published data focuses narrowly on Gemini AI data centers making direct comparisons difficult [2].
Amazon revealed its 2025 water consumption data on June 11, 2026, aiming to increase transparency amid growing environmental concerns [2].
